We were lucky to catch up with Tashara Childs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tashara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The name of my private practice is Brave Counseling and Consulting. Before becoming a private practice owner, I worked as a manager at a bank. I had a very secure job financially, but I was not happy emotionally, mentally or spiritually. I knew that I wanted to be a counselor, but I did not know how I was going to work a full time job and also intern to finish the Master’s program that I was in. I decided to quit my job at the bank and work for free as an intern for 3 months. When I was starting out as a counselor, my salary was cut in half and my work hours increased. In order to get out of the box of working at agencies, I would have to quit my secure job and open a private practice that was not going to be financially stable. In the end, my risk definitely paid off as I am very happy as a full time entrepreneur!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Tashara Childs, but I am known by TJ. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Life Coach. I am the CEO of Brave Counseling and Consulting in Madison, AL. I provide individual counseling and marriage and family counseling. I also provide life coaching for Millennial women to help them control their thoughts and emotions to create joy and fulfillment in their lives. What sets me apart is the usage of spirituality and Biblical principles in my life coaching services. I allow myself to showcase my personality with my clients which makes them comfortable and allows them to open up more. I am the most proud of leaving agencies where I felt that I was not able to provide quality care for my clients and opening a private practice that prides itself on providing quality care. I want people to know that I entered into this profession to provide my clients with the services that I was not able to receive when I was in counseling. I want to be the voice for the silent and the help for those who feel helpless. My brand is authentic because I truly care for my clients. In addition to therapy and life coaching, I am also an author and creator of adult coloring books.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As an African American counselor in Alabama, I am one of few. However, since opening our practice in 2021, we have grown exponentially through word of mouth. I believe what has built my reputation as a therapist and life coach is my authenticity. My clients know that I am not looking to take their money or waste their time. I am invested in their personal growth and truly desire to see them achieve their goals and change their lives.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Obtaining my Master’s Degree was very difficult. I was working full time at a bank while also interning part time. I then quit my job to intern full time to obtain enough hours to graduate. During this time, I moved from North Carolina to Alabama to be closer to family as my grandmother was fighting cancer. As a counselor, there were many days where my salary did not cover my bills. There were days that I went home to my power being cut off. There were days where I was rationing small amounts of groceries. My rent was late many months. I endured financial strain, physical ailments, death in my family and a mental health hospitalization before starting my practice. I do believe that all of these experiences have helped me to be who I am today to provide the care that I give to my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: iambrave.life
• Instagram: @TasharaJanae
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tasharajanae

Image Credits
Images: Brittney Jenkins Photography